Biography Wikipedia
Wikipedia:
Andy Roda (born March 11) is a Danish-Filipino singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, instrumentalist and actor.
Early career
Andy Roda the youngest child of two Filippino immigrants to Denmark. He grew up in Copenhagen in a home with no music other than the radio and a limited vinyl record collection. He was able to sing almost anything he heard while accompanying himself on a piano, which his sister Jessie and he inherited.
He spent his formative years honing his craft singing in church, while alternating between classical pieces, sung with the Danish Boys Choir, and his favorite Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston songs, which he performed at many of the local events. As a teenager Andy, was first signed to an independent label, but later discovered by Virgin Records, after a song he had written for his school's musical production had created a buzz amongst his peers, and found its way to the managing director. The original title "Jeg Græder" was later translated and recorded as "I'm Cryin'" for his debut release.
The Debut
After graduating from Skt. Annæ Gymnasium, Andy released his self written and co-produced debut album “DISH” on Virgin Records in 1999, which generated three hit singles. “The Power” became the highest rotated single on National radio P3, during its first week of release, and his remake of Bonnie Raitt’s “Something To Talk About” firmly established him as a rising star in his native country, earning him a Best New Artist nomination. After an extensive tour on which Andy opened for the Backstreet Boys and Emma Bunton (Spice Girls) he recorded a second album for Virgin Records, with New York based writer/producer Gary Haase and J. Phoenix. Although the album was never released due to a change of regime at the company, Andy relocated with the company's blessing to New York City where he now resides.
Andy Roda first appeared on National TV in America when he competed in the "Next Big Star" (a spin off to "Star Search") hosted by American TV Icon Ed McMahon with fellow artists and competitors Katharine McPhee, Gia Farrell and Q'orianka Kilcher. Andy took home the runner up spot in the grand finale of the competition.
In New York City the singer established himself as a live act, by performing regularly in many of the leading live venues in town. In fact during an open mic night at Ashford & Simpson's Sugarbar, Andy wowed the audience and as well as the legendary hit makers, who refers to Andy as "a triple threat" with his rendition of the classic Prince tune "How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore". Soon Andy found himself opening for r'n'b singer Jon B, and he was also a featured artist at an event for Alicia Keys.
2007 - The formation of POGI Entertainment
In 2007 Andy Roda released “Shake Yo Thang” and wrote and produced “Real Man” for Philippine superstar Vina Morales, and “Dancing Naked” for girl group the Kitty Girls, which was released on the “SupahDance Album” by Star Records. The album received a Gold Award in 2008 as well as a 24K Dance Award.
In 2007 Andy founded POGI Entertainment, mainly focusing on releasing his material. The first release was the EP-single “Aiyahh” (pron: Ahh-ee-ahh) which became part of an International PUMA Fragrance Campaign, covering 15 European countries. 7 Digital and PUMA who launched the campaign estimated over 100.000 clicks and downloads during Andy's promotion. Andy wrote and produced “Samson’s Hair” for the upcoming Hollywood teen romantic movie “Love At First Hiccup”, which is to be launched in 2009. He also arranged and produced a new song for Red Cross International entitled “Song For The Forgotten” which features the vocals of Danish singer/actress and philanthropist Monique Spartalis. As a singer/actor, Andy starred as the leading character “Randy” in the musical production “Filipinos In America” in 2008, depicting Filipino-American’s rise to success in the US.
Thomas Helmig and Safri Duo
In 2009, Andy started toured with Danish superstar Thomas Helmig, as a backing vocalist, adding not only his stage shows but also his studio recordings [1]. Aside from gracing the stages all over Denmark with Thomas Helmig, Andy Roda will be featured as the lead vocalist of Danish percussion group Safri Duo on stages in Europe during the Summer of 2011.
2011
Spring 2011 marks the arrival of Andy Roda's first single of the year "Beautiful" a collaboration with chart topping Danish writer/producer Sidelmann, through exclusive license to Lifted House, distributed through Disco:Wax/SONY in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.
2012
On April 30th "Superstar" single was released through POGI Entertainment. The Official Music Video marks Andy Rodas debut as a director and visual effects animator, who made it in 70 days with Youtube tutorials a Macbook and After Effects.